The agreement was signed by CSIRO acting research director of high performance metals Alex Kingsbury and Keech chief executive Herbert Hermens at a function for businesswomen on Wednesday. 

Keech chief executive Herbert Hermens said the company was the first to be given access to the CSIRO's technologies. 

"It is fantastic that CSIRO has chosen Keech 3D as the first company to have guaranteed access to their 3D printers and more importantly to the expertise of their staff in metals printing," he said. 

"Keech 3D has invested heavily in additive manufacturing and the ability to print onsite in various mediums - including paper and plastics.

"Now we are able to work together with CSIRO to educate our staff in the specialist skills for designing and printing in metals, and providing those items to our commercial clients."

Meanwhile, about 150 people attended the women.i.s.e event, which involved a tour of the Keech Innovation Centre and Keech 3D advanced manufacturing facility to viewed demonstrations of the printing technology. 

Participants also had the chance to be photographed in an original Caulfield Cup hat - a one off piece designed and made by Keech 3D which featured the names of all cup winners since 1935. 

Dr Hermens said the event showed local businesses how they could benefit from advanced manufacturing.

"A lot of people still believe 3D printing is something we will see in years to come," he said.

"But companies in Bendigo and right across the globe are taking advantage of this technology to save time, money and increase productivity."

In July last year, Keech 3D announced it had purchased a $568,000 printer - the largest 3D printer in Australia.

The printer is the size of a small room and is being used by Keech engineers to make miniature, plastic models of mining machinery parts for multi-national giants Rio Tinto and BHP. 

For more information, visit keech3d.com.au