SPEE3D announced at Formnext 2023 that it has partnered with the Australian government to implement 3D metal printers and provide training in their use to support Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia. Earlier, in September 2023, the company announced that it had entered into identical cooperation with the United States Department of Defense and delivered seven machines.
As part of the agreement with the Australian government, three WarpSPEE3D 3D printers will be deployed in various locations in Ukraine. The use of the machines is to be strengthened by training conducted by SPEE3D specialists, enabling Ukrainian soldiers and engineers to use this technology. This capability will allow Ukrainian soldiers to produce critical parts of military equipment in a matter of hours.
SPEE3D metal 3D printers being deployed can quickly produce damaged parts using proprietary and patented cold sprayed powdered metal (CSAM) technology. It involves a process called cold spraying, i.e. applying metal powder to the work table at a gigantic speed – up to three times faster than the speed of sound. Powder particles combine together under the influence of kinetic energy resulting from collision with each other and layer by layer create a three-dimensional form. The work table on which the metal is placed is mounted on a robot arm moving in six axes. This range of movement allows for the execution of details without the need to use supporting structures for elements inclined at an angle greater than 45°.
As the name suggests, cold spraying is a process in which we do not deal with high temperatures. Thanks to this, the SPEE3D method can use metal alloys that are unavailable with traditional selective melting of powders with a laser beam. Particularly popular materials are copper and copper alloys. Moreover, the nature of production allows mixing different types of powders or using them alternately. The SPEE3D manufacturing process reduces material quality issues caused by thermal and non-solid state processes, such as inclusions and cooling defects. SPEE3D says this technology makes 3D printers ideal for manufacturing in a competitive environment because they can be transported to or near where needed.
“We are pleased to provide Ukrainian soldiers with Australian technology that will keep them resilient and combat-ready,” said Byron Kennedy, CEO of SPEE3D. “We can’t wait to teach them how to operate the machines, as well as how to use our technology to redesign key components to solve problems in real time. We recognize that this technology will provide Ukraine with a competitive advantage and we are proud to join other nations in supporting their heroic efforts.”
Source: www.spee3d.com