Metal additive manufacturing AML3D has clinched a monumental deal worth approximately AUD 2.2 million with shipbuilding company Austal USA.
The contract, announced today, entails the delivery of a custom-built ARCEMY metal 3D printing system, set to be installed at Austal USA’s Advanced Technologies facility in Charlottesville, Virginia.
This milestone agreement marks the second order received by AML3D from its valued partner, Phillips Corporation, since the inception of its reseller arrangement in April 2023.
Phillips Corporation is strategically sourcing ARCEMY units to bolster the US marine shipbuilding sector, including crucial contributions to the US Navy’s supply chain and industrial base.
The objective is to expedite the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies within a sovereign defence and submarine industrial base.
The custom-built ARCEMY unit is set to be based on the robust ARCEMY 6700 system. Once installed, it will claim the title of the largest ARCEMY system to date, featuring an 11,000kg positioner and an impressive linear rail stretching over 4 metres.
This configuration results in a substantial build volume of approximately 35 cubic meters, underscoring the cutting-edge capabilities of this advanced 3D printing system.
Anticipated for completion and installation in mid-2024, the payment for this unit will be made in stages, with 50 per cent upfront and the remaining balance upon delivery, testing, and commissioning.
AML3D Managing Director Sean Ebert emphasised that the second order by Philips over the past few months serves as evidence of the success of the reseller agreement with Phillips.
“The sheer size of the custom-built ARCEMY unit demonstrates the breadth of demand and application of our technology, and importantly reaffirms the potential to further expand our footprint within the US Government and defence supply chain,” he noted.
According to him, it reaffirms the potential for further expansion within the US Government and defence supply chain.
“The US is the largest Additive Manufacturing market in the world and AML3D’s most important growth market. The Company remains confident additional contracts in support of the US defense sector will be executed during the current financial year,” Ebert stated.
The installation of the ARCEMY unit is a pivotal component of Austal USA Advanced Technologies’ additive manufacturing capability, actively under development at its purpose-built facility in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Austal USA’s investment in future capabilities aims to expand post-delivery support and sustainment offerings, supporting not only its own shipbuilding endeavours but also catering to multiple shipbuilders, maintenance providers, and naval forces including the US Navy, US Coast Guard, Royal Navy, and Royal Australian Navy across a wide spectrum of military ships deployed in the US and allied fleets.
