The Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF) was founded in 2007 to overcome hurdles to R&D success by providing open access to micro and nanofabrication equipment, essential to Australia’s scientific and economic future. It was one of nine original research infrastructure facilities established under the Commonwealth’s National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS).

ANFF has grown to annually support over 180,000 hours of usage and almost 3,000 clients and more than 20% of this work is done by industry.

ANFF provides services for both academic researchers and industry. Researchers and Industry can either gain direct access to facilities under expert guidance, contract for specialised products to be made or undertake contract research projects through our extensive network of research talent.

The ANFF network comprises 100+ full-time staff and incorporates world-leading expertise in 500+ individual manufacturing and research capabilities located at twenty leading Australian institutions, organised into 8 specialist Nodes. Filled with over $500 million of investment in tooling, infrastructure and people, ANFF has a vital role in the translation of research from idea to proof-of-concept and commercialisation.

ANFF owns and provides access to capabilities that can assist in both the development of new products and improvements to current production methods. Each Node provides expertise in a specific area, including advanced materials, quantum technologies, nanoelectronics & photonics and nano-bio applications. The ANFF commitment to providing a world-class, open-access user facility is underpinned by the sharing of best practice in service provision across the network.

ANFF expanded its focus in 2021 to provide out-of-lab support and ensure businesses can access essential assistance through a client-centred approach. The new approach has been employed to help reinvigorate key industry sectors that can be supported by ANFF’s cutting-edge micro and nanofabrication capabilities and to enable Australia’s growth.

Find out more at anff.org.au.