Darwin, November 21, 2019
Cutting edge 3D printing technology developed in Darwin, Australia, will be deployed by the Royal Australian Navy in a world-first trial that will streamline the maintenance of patrol vessels.
The Australian Government today announced a $1.5 million investment into a two-year pilot of SPEE3D technology for the Royal Australian Navy including the deployment of a WarpSPEE3D 3D metal printer.
SPEE3D, an Australian award-winning manufacturer of metal-based additive manufacturing technology, have partnered with the Advanced Manufacturing Alliance (AMA) and Charles Darwin University (CDU) to deliver the program. SPEE3D collaborated with CDU to form AMA in 2017, an initiative that is now recognised as a global centre of excellence for real world applications of 3D printing technology.
SPEE3D printers make metal parts the fastest way possible, leveraging metal cold spray technology to produce industrial quality metal parts in just minutes, rather than days or weeks. This process harnesses the power of kinetic energy, rather than relying on high-power lasers and expensive gasses, allowing 3D metal printing in the field or at sea, at affordable costs. The program aims to significantly increase parts available to the Navy compared to what the regular supply chain can provide.
Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Melissa Price MP, congratulated the Charles Darwin University's Manufacturing Alliance and SPEE3D, for producing the cutting edge and uniquely Australian capability.
"This high-tech machinery enables metal components to be produced quickly and efficiently, meaning our ships can get back on the water without delay," Minister Price said.
"Benefiting both the Navy and industry, the knowledge transfer gained using this capability also positions the Advanced Manufacturing Alliance to pursue further opportunities.
"This capability is a prime example of Australian innovation at its best and supports the Government's unprecedented shipbuilding and sustainment plans."
SPEE3D, based in Darwin and Melbourne, Australia, is an innovative supplier of metal-based additive manufacturing technology. SPEE3D focuses on the development, assembly, and distribution of machines and integrated system solutions based on the patented supersonic 3D deposition (SP3D) technology. The products enable significantly faster, lower-cost, and more scalable production than traditional metal printing techniques for copper and aluminium.
Note for Editors:
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