Metal additive manufacturing company AML3D has clinched a purchase order (PO) worth USD 1.01 million (AUD 1.54 million) to bolster qualification testing of Copper-Nickel (CuNi) alloys for applications within the US Department of Defence.
Building upon the success of previous CuNi alloy characterisation and testing contracts, particularly in support of the US Navy’s submarine qualification program, this increased funding capacity is aimed at streamlining procurement processes for future CuNi testing contracts, the company said in an ASX announcement.
BlueForge Alliance, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to strengthening and sustaining the US Navy’s Submarine Industrial Base through technology adoption and acceleration, has signed the PO to increase funding for CuNi qualification testing.
Under this new CuNi qualification testing PO, AML3D said it will allocate USD 0.2 million immediately to secure CuNi wire feedstock for continued alloy testing.
Furthermore, the completion of the CuNi alloy qualification testing program will showcase AML3D’s ARCEMY metal 3D printing systems’ capability to manufacture US Defence-certified parts for an extended array of US Defence applications.
Sean Ebert, managing director of AML3D, expressed enthusiasm regarding the new PO, highlighting the company’s strategic alignment with key stakeholders within the US Navy’s submarine program.
“We are looking forward to working with BlueForge and the US Department of Defence to continue the additional testing contracts that will deliver an effective CuNi testing program,” said Ebert.
He added, “Our continuing work testing and qualifying a range of alloys for the US Navy’s Submarine Industrial Base is designed to show how AML3D’s ARCEMY metal 3D Printing technology can be deployed to solve a variety of time, cost and supply chain challenges.”
Ebert further emphasised the potential of AML3D’s technology to extend support to other globally significant defence markets, including those of the AUKUS Alliance partners, Australia, and the UK.
