SPEE3D Metal 3D Printer Technology to be deployed by the Australian Army

Darwin, February 23, 2020

Cutting edge metal 3D printer technology developed in Darwin, Australia, will be deployed by the Australian Army.

The Australian Army today announced a $1.5 million investment into a 12-month pilot of SPEE3D technology for the Australian Army. The program includes the training of soldiers in 3D printing and the trail of SPEE3D’s large-format WarpSPEE3D 3D metal printer, both installed on-base and deployed in the field for multiple Army exercises.

SPEE3D, an Australian award-winning manufacturer of metal-based additive manufacturing technology, has 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 recognized as a global centre of excellence for real-world applications of 3D printing technology. AMA will train soldiers in all the skills they will need design and print parts from CAD software to printer operation, part post-processing, testing and certification.

SPEE3D metal 3D 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, at affordable costs. The program aims to significantly increase parts available to the Army compared to what the regular supply chain can provide.

SPEE3D CEO, Byron Kennedy said “This is another very exciting announcement for SPEE3D and the Australian Defence force. This Army program, in parallel with a similar project happening with The Royal Australian Navy, will enable the Australian Defence Force to grow our sovereign capability and lead the world in the field of additive manufacturing.”