SPEE3D, an Australian firm specializing in additive manufacturing, has made a significant stride in the defense sector by selling one of its advanced WarpSPEE3D metal printers to Austal USA. This acquisition is aimed at advancing Austal’s integration of additive manufacturing technologies for the US Navy.
Austal USA operates the Navy’s flagship center for additive manufacturing located in Danville, Virginia. This facility plays a crucial role in supporting both the construction and ongoing maintenance of the Navy’s fleet. Scott Kasen, the Director of Advanced Technologies at Austal USA, highlighted the importance of the WarpSPEE3D printer, describing it as “an exciting technology for large part creation and process advancements.” He emphasized that this technology has the potential to enhance the manufacturing of components that are traditionally produced through casting methods.
Byron Kennedy, the CEO of SPEE3D, expressed confidence in the partnership, noting their previous successful collaborations with the U.S. Navy. He remarked on the unique challenges the Navy faces regarding manufacturing needs and emphasized the importance of developing capabilities that are fast, reliable, and easily deployable.
The WarpSPEE3D printer represents a leap forward in manufacturing capabilities, enabling the production of high-density metal parts in a fraction of the time previously required. Components such as intake manifolds and M113 exhausts, which traditionally take weeks or even months to fabricate, can now be completed in just hours or days. This efficiency is made possible through the use of cold spray technology, which allows for the creation of aluminum, copper, bronze, and stainless steel parts.
The printer can handle substantial weights and dimensions, capable of building parts up to 40 kilograms (88 pounds) and measuring a maximum of 1 meter (3 feet) by 0.7 meters (2.2 feet). This capability positions the WarpSPEE3D printer as a vital asset for modern manufacturing processes within the defense industry, potentially revolutionizing how parts are produced and maintained in military operations.
