SPEE3D 3D printer installed by the navy

A SPEE3D Cold Spray 3D printer (pictured) has been delivered and installed by the Royal Australian Navy.

The WarpSPEE3D additive manufacturing system complements a similar printer supplied to the army which has been undergoing trials at remote locations in the outback.

The navy deal is part of a $1.5 million contract for the Darwin-based company and will be used to streamline the maintenance of patrol vessels.

The programme aims to significantly increase parts available to the Navy compared to those available from regular supply chains.

The printer is capable of printing nine materials, including Aluminum 6061, Copper and 316 Stainless Steel.

SPEE3D partnered with the Advanced Manufacturing Alliance (AMA) and Charles Darwin University (CDU) to deliver the programme.

SPEE3D CEO Byron Kennedy said at the time: “We are excited to be working with The Royal Australian Navy and the Additive Manufacturing Alliance on this programme.

“Having the capability to produce high-quality metal parts on-demand, in the field or at sea will be groundbreaking for the Australian Defence Force.”

Originally unveiled at Formnext 2017, SPEE3D’s supersonic 3D printing technology targets final part production, leveraging metal cold spray technology to produce industrial quality metal parts.

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Picture: SPEE3D

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