Conflux Technology
Sector: Advanced Manufacturing
Breakthrough Victoria is investing $5 million in Conflux, an advanced manufacturing business that has revolutionised heat exchangers.
THE INVESTMENT
Investment Type | VC Growth |
Investment Vehicle | Series B Preference Shares |
BV Investment | $5 million |
WHO IS CONFLUX TECHNOLOGY?
Based in Waurn Ponds, Conflux specialise in producing heat exchangers that transfer heat between two or more fluids (liquids, gases, or a combination of both) without mixing them. The primary function of a heat exchanger is to efficiently transfer thermal energy from one fluid to another, either to heat or cool, to support heat management and the proper functioning of an array of high-performance machinery
Conflux was born from the innovative vision of Michael Fuller, a veteran of the Formula One racing industry. In 2015, Fuller recognized the potential of combining advanced heat exchanger design with the emerging capabilities of additive manufacturing.
Drawing on his extensive motorsport experience, Fuller spent two years developing and validating his concept. The company officially launched in 2017 after securing funding from AM Ventures, positioning itself as a pioneer in the field of 3D-printed heat exchangers.
THE PROBLEM
Traditional heat exchangers often struggle with efficiency and weight constraints, limiting their performance in various industries. These conventional designs can be bulky, heavy, and unable to effectively manage heat transfer in complex systems. This leads to reduced efficiency in applications ranging from automotive and aerospace to industrial processes and power generation. Additionally, the limitations of traditional manufacturing methods make it challenging to create intricate internal geometries that could optimize heat exchange.
THE SOLUTION
Conflux Technology addresses these challenges by leveraging advanced metal additive manufacturing (3D printing) to create ultra-high performance and lightweight heat exchangers. Their innovative approach allows for the design and production of complex, optimized structures that significantly enhance heat transfer efficiency while reducing weight. By utilizing cutting-edge engineering and 3D printing technologies, Conflux can create heat exchangers with intricate internal geometries that were previously impossible to manufacture.
Conflux's solutions include custom-designed heat exchangers for various applications, such as their ultra-lightweight cold plate heat sink that can conform to any cooling system. They also produce specialised components like the argon gas heat exchanger for AMCM's metal 3D printing machines. By combining advanced design capabilities with state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques, Conflux Technology is revolutionizing thermal management across multiple industries, offering more efficient and compact solutions for heat exchange challenges.
IMPACT FOR VICTORIA
The investment will support growth of an additional 39 FTEs in Geelong. The jobs are likely to be filled by highly skilled engineers and operators who will support design work and development of Conflux’s capabilities in automation.