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RUAG Australia’s senior manager additive technologies and engineering services, Neil Matthews, has been recognised for outstanding achievement and dedication in the application of skills, judgement and innovation on behalf of Australia’s defence industry and to the specific benefit of Australia’s defence capability.
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Neil Matthews, an internationally recognised authority on additive metal technologies (AMT), in particular supersonic particle deposition (SPD) and laser additive deposition (LAD), received this commendation for his research in the use of AMT and its application on Australian Defence Force aircraft.
Awarded by the Australian Department of Defence, the Defence Industry Service Commendation specifically cites the following: "In your role as senior manager, advanced technology and engineering solutions at RUAG Australia Pty Ltd, and, as a pioneer in the use of additive metal technologies, you helped protect aerospace components from corrosion and wear. Your research resulted in significant cost savings to Defence and improved aircraft availability. You contributed to achieving outstanding outcomes for the ADF."
Matthews’ work at RUAG Australia has revealed that additive metal repair technologies are critical to sustainability in the repairs of current and future aircraft platforms, and particularly for those platforms regularly operating under demanding conditions.
"Restoring full structural functionality, reliably and repeatedly, is our objective. SPD and LAD are continuing to meet these criteria. They are also highlighting their potential to significantly reduce the time and costs associated with traditional repair approaches," Matthews explained.
Terry Miles, general manager of RUAG Australia, said, "We are pleased to have Neil Matthews’ work recognised for the valuable contribution it represents. RUAG Australia works closely with the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group on additive material technologies."
RUAG Australia is a major industry research center for the development and application of AMT focusing on both SPD, sometimes referred to as Cold Spray, and LAD for defence applications.
These technologies offer a number of exciting and cost-effective outcomes, particularly in the areas of geometry restoration and corrosion protection. In addition, these technologies enable the restoration of corroded/damaged metallic components/structures to an acceptable level of structural integrity and functionality. RUAG Australia maintains and operates a fixed and mobile SPD capability as well as a fixed LAD capability. RUAG Australia is a DASA 145, EASA Part 145, CASA 145 approved organisation.
Stephen Kuper
Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.
