World-first 3D printers keep food on the table during supply chain squeeze

With delivery delays and empty supermarket shelves evident during the global pandemic, solid supply chains are in the spotlight more than ever before. Now, in a world-first innovation happening here in Macquarie Park, Sydney, local employer Konica Minolta Australia are constructing a 3D printer that can produce on demand parts for the food processing supply chain.

Konica Minolta are working together with the Australian Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC) and Markforged, to 3D print parts for meat processing equipment, and helping ensure a continuous supply of food to our tables.

When parts like bolts and rollers break, food processing plants pause production. This leads to lost productivity as replacements are sourced. During the global logistics crunch, extended delivery delays could lead to significant down time and decreased revenue. The ability to 3D print parts on site will reduce equipment downtime and decrease these interruptions to food production.

Matthew Hunter, Innovation Product Marketing Manager, Konica Minolta, said:

"The need for sovereign capability for the Australian supply chain coupled with Australian government support for local food and beverage manufacturing has resulted in organisations looking to adopt innovative practices. Konica Minolta Australia is proud to partner with AMPC in getting this world-first capability off the ground."

The 3-year program will see an industrial metal 3D printing unit built in Macquarie Park, Sydney, and smaller polymer printers established across the country.

Connect Macquarie Park Innovation District General Manager Mark Ames welcomed the development:

“COVID-19 showed how susceptible to shocks our global supply chains - and food security - can be. This combination of local smarts, new ideas and high technology will create new opportunities, new jobs, and help keep food on our tables. It’s so exciting this global first is happening here in Macquarie Park, Australia’s original innovation district.”

For more innovative ideas, check out Konica Minolta’s blog or webinar series.