Additive manufacturing company SPEE3D has embarked on a partnership with the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF), ushering in a new era of metal-based 3D printing capabilities for Japan’s military.
The Victoria-based company said the strategic collaboration with the Japan Ministry of Defence is a pivotal moment in its expansion efforts across the Asia-Pacific region.
As part of the cooperation, the JGSDF will be equipped with the cutting-edge WarpSPEE3D and XSPEE3D, two 3D printers that aim to revolutionise how Japan’s self-defence forces approach manufacturing and maintenance of critical components.
WarpSPEE3D, the first-of-its-kind large-format metal 3D printer, boasts the ability to produce large metal parts swiftly, reducing production times from weeks to mere minutes or hours.
This breakthrough not only enhances efficiency but also offers a more cost-effective and scalable solution when compared to traditional manufacturing methods, according to SPEE3D.
Complementing the WarpSPEE3D is the XSPEE3D, a deployable metal additive manufacturing powerhouse, containing SPEE3D’s patented cold spray 3D printing technology and auxiliary equipment, all neatly packaged within a single containerised shipping unit.
With the partnership, SPEE3D said Japan’s self-defence forces now possess the capability to manufacture critical replacement parts in minutes or hours, using a wide range of materials that includes Aluminum 6061, Aluminum Bronze, Copper, and Stainless Steel.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to expand our presence into Japan and the APAC region. It is indeed an honour to collaborate with the Japanese military,” said SPEE3D CEO, Byron Kennedy.
“Our aim is to train and prepare their forces to use the XSPEE3D printer in the field to address their most urgent supply chain issues through quickly manufactured on-demand parts,” he added.
The deal will also see SPEE3D providing the JGSDF with comprehensive training, support, and maintenance for both the WarpSPEE3D and XSPEE3D systems.
This includes field exercise programs specifically designed for the XSPEE3D, ensuring that Japan’s forces are well-prepared to harness the full potential of this game-changing technology, both in the field and on base.
This partnership signifies the continued commitment of SPEE3D to bolstering defence capabilities by offering metal manufacturing solutions.
Recently, the US Naval Post Graduate School acquired an XSPEE3D, underscoring the growing demand for metal-based additive manufacturing support among the US Tri-Service Maritime forces.
