SPEE3D sells 3D printers to Japanese defence force

Metal 3D printing company SPEE3D has broken into the Japanese defence market through a contract brokered with the Japan Ministry of Defense.

The machine manufacturer will supply WarpSPEE3D and XSPEE3D (pictured) printers for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), furthering its penetration of defence markets among Australia and its allies.

The WarpSPEE3D enables significantly faster, more cost-effective and more scalable production than traditional manufacturing, while the recently launched XSPEE3D printer is custom-built for defence and comes as an integrated, containerised metal additive manufacturing capability.

Both printers utilise SPEE3D’s patented cold spray additive manufacturing (CSAM) technology.

CEO of SPEE3D Byron Kennedy said: “We are grateful to be expanding our presence into Japan and the APAC region.

“We’re also thrilled to partner with the Japanese military, to train and prepare forces to use the XSPEE3D printer in the field to help solve their most pressing supply chain issues for quickly made on-demand parts.”

According to a company statement defence requires additive manufacturing technology that can quickly produce parts from well-known metal alloys to address real-time needs in the field where forces are typically located.

“Working with SPEE3D, Japan’s defense forces will now have the unique capability to produce parts in record time and at the point of need in critical situations.

“JGSDF will receive training, support, and maintenance for both printers, including in-the-field exercise programs with the XSPEE3D.”

Picture: SPEE3D/XSPEE3D printer