SPEE3D has been named winner of the US Office of the Secretary of Defence Manufacturing Technology (OSD ManTech) “Point of Need Challenge” for solutions to support forward-deployed forces in austere environments.
In a news release, the Melbourne-based company said the program will invest around USD 2.5 million (AUD 3.8 million), with industry partners contributing another USD 700,000 (AUD 1.1 million) in cost share.
SPEE3D will be part of a live demonstration at the Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) of the US Army’s Engineer Research and Development Centre in Hanover, New Hampshire.
The team will show off its Cold Spray Additive Manufacturing (CSAM) technology and capacity to 3D print metal components in sub-zero temperatures with the same quality as parts printed on the same technology in a lab or shop setting.
Byron Kennedy, CEO of SPEE3D, expressed his delight to be working with the OSD to showcase the company’s patented Cold Spray Additive Manufacturing technology.
“Given our proven track record of working with the military in very hot and dry environments, we look forward to demonstrating our expeditionary manufacturing and repair capabilities in sub-freezing conditions,” said Kennedy.
Over 60 organisations applied for the program, with 11 making it to the final round.
The final 11 were presented live at the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The event included innovations from the Department of Defence Manufacturing Innovation Institutes (MIIs).
A team of 13 judges from the Military Services, Defence Logistics Agency (DLA), Defence Innovation Unit, OSD ManTech, and Joint Staff reviewed the invited finalists.
SPEE3D revealed a total of six projects from five MIIs were selected for approval.
The projects covered three challenges: the Warfighter Medical, Health, and Nutrition Challenge; the Staying in the Fight Challenge; and the Cyber Challenge. SPEE3D entered the Staying in the Fight Challenge and partnered with LIFT as their contracted MII.
LIFT is a registered DoD MII headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, US, overseen by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defence for Research and Engineering.
