Additive manufacturing company SPEE3D is deploying three of its WarpSPEE3D printers across various locations in Ukraine as part of the company’s new strategic collaboration with the Australian Government.
SPEE3D’s technology will enable Ukrainian forces to rapidly manufacture critical parts for military equipment within hours, compared to more traditional methods that often involve long waits for replacements or dealing with obsolete parts, the company said in a media release.
“We’re delighted to equip Ukrainian soldiers with state-of-the-art Australian technology that bolsters their resilience and readiness,” said Byron Kennedy, CEO at SPEE3D.
SPEE3D’s metal 3D printers are equipped with unique proprietary and patented cold spray additive manufacturing technology.
Instead of leveraging traditional 3D printing techniques, which use heat or lasers to melt metal powders, the company developed “Supersonic 3D Disposition” – a patented process that uses a rocket nozzle to accelerate air up to three times the speed of sound, into which metal powder is injected then deposited onto a substrate maneuvered by a six-axis robotic arm.
Through this process, the sheer kinetic energy of the particles hitting each other causes the powders to bind together, forming a high-density part of a near-net shape with metallurgical properties superior to casting.
The process is capable of depositing powder at 100g a minute, allowing the technology to manufacture metal parts in minutes, or hours for larger parts.
The partnership with SPEE3D is part of the Australian Government’s $20 million military assistance package aimed at providing Ukraine’s defence with de-mining equipment, portable x-ray machines, 3D metal printers, and counter-drone systems.
“We eagerly anticipate teaching them how to operate our machines, enabling them to leverage our technology to re-engineer crucial parts quickly and effectively. We recognize the competitive edge our technology offers Ukraine, and we’re proud to stand with nations supporting their heroic efforts,” Kennedy said.
